Land grab in D.C.

The D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation allowed unlicensed vendors to use a public park in Adams Morgan for their private enterprise for three years. Now, its acting director, Jesus Aguirre, has transferred Unity Park to the Office of Latino Affairs. That move — an end run around local laws — has riled many residents and business owners. “It’s no different than being under a dictatorship — the law be damned,” said Pat Patrick, president of the Adams Morgan Business and Professional Association.

“This seems pretty unprecedented,” said Kristen Barden, executive director of the Adams Morgan Partnership Business Improvement District.